Thrilling discovery

The marine archaeology expedition to uncover the history of the Royal Charlotte is nearing an end but plenty of exciting discoveries have been made along the way.

A team of Australian National Maritime Museum archaeologists have been out on Frederick Reef since January 4 for the search and survey mission to find the ship, which was wrecked on the reef in 1825.

Australian National Maritime Museum senior curator and archaeologist Paul Hundley said in the expedition's blog that, during a scuba survey of the outside coral reef, divers located a copper fastening, keel staples and a large piece of lead, which may weigh more than 500kg.

The expedition team is expected to return to Gladstone Harbour on Sunday.